Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 2, 2025 International law
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Thursday for urgent action to prevent widespread ethnically motivated attacks in El Fasher. This comes as the Rapid Intervention Force (RIF) intensifies efforts to regain control of the besieged capital of North Darfur state.
"After more than 500 days of continuous siege and constant fighting, El Fasher is on the brink of an even greater catastrophe unless urgent action is taken," Turk said.
Reports of the deployment of long-range drones by the Rapid Reaction Force in South Darfur are heightening fears of a possible escalation of fighting in the coming days.
From September 19 to 29, at least 91 people were killed as a result of drone strikes, artillery shelling, and ground attacks by the Rapid Reaction Force. Reports included strikes on markets and a public kitchen. The attacks on civilian infrastructure appear aimed at forcing the population to flee the city, as well as the nearby Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons.
Türk emphasized the need to protect civilians remaining in El Fasher, including those unable to leave the city—the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses. Those who wish to leave must be given the opportunity to leave the city in safe conditions. The High Commissioner recalled the gravest crimes against refugees, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and abductions.
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He also warned of the risk of a recurrence of ethnically motivated crimes and abuses against the population, similar to those that occurred during the Rapid Intervention Forces attack on the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in April, including sexual violence against women and girls from the Zaghawa tribe.
Türk also called for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to El Fasher. Residents of the city are experiencing a critical shortage of food, water, and medicine.
"The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing arbitrary restrictions imposed by the Rapid Reaction Force on the entry of food and essential goods into the city. There are also credible reports that fighters have tortured and killed civilians for attempting to deliver food," he added.
Türk recalled that international humanitarian law prohibits the use of starvation as a method of warfare and also requires the protection of humanitarian personnel. He reiterated his call for the immediate lifting of the siege and the free flow of aid.
The High Commissioner appealed to all parties to the conflict and States with influence on the situation to take urgent measures to prevent further atrocities.
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